Curator

The Museum has an exciting opportunity for a professional to join the agency as an APS Level 6.

Role purpose

The Museum is seeking an experienced professional to join the Curatorial team. The Museum aims to inspire, challenge, and empower people to find their voice and place in the world. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the Museum’s goal of being a leading national forum for discussions about Australian history, and a world leader in audience engagement.

The Curatorial team researches and explores innovative ideas related to Australian history and collections. Curators work across a range of subjects/disciplines, platforms and outputs (exhibitions, digital, online, publications, presentations, seminars and events) to develop content and engage with audiences on topics that align with the Museum’s strategic priorities.

Working under general direction, this role offers the opportunity for the right candidate to contribute their research knowledge and curatorial experience to a range of different exhibitions, activities, collections and programs

Selection criteria

In accordance with APS work level standards, the core responsibilities for the role include:

• Lead and deliver curatorial projects including object-based research and interpretation, exhibitions, displays, digital projects, online content, and acquisitions, ensuring outcomes are research-informed and audience-focused.
• Apply high-level conceptual and analytical thinking to develop curatorial ideas, narratives, and interpretive approaches that enhance public understanding of Australian history and culture.
• Undertake and deliver high-quality research and interpretation, producing written and digital content for exhibitions, acquisitions and collections, publications, and public engagement.
• Contribute to the development, documentation, and care of the collection in accordance with institutional policies, standards, and ethical practice.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with donors, communities, researchers, and internal stakeholders to support curatorial and organisational outcomes.
• Apply culturally informed and ethical practice through respectful engagement with First Nations peoples, demonstrating an understanding of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights and relevant emerging frameworks in the development of collections, research, programs and interpretation.
• Provide curatorial and subject-matter expertise in the areas of Australian history and museological practice to inform acquisitions, exhibitions and institutional decision-making.
• Represent the Museum in professional, public, and stakeholder forums, effectively communicating curatorial knowledge and perspectives.
• Contribute to inclusive and respectful outcomes by supporting the development and delivery of audience-centred exhibitions and programs for diverse communities.
• Plan and manage work priorities and projects to deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timeframes, managing competing demands with limited supervision.
• Contribute to project planning and resource management, including budgets, to support effective and timely delivery of curatorial and division projects.
• Provide guidance and support to staff, interns, or volunteers, contributing to team capability and performance.
• Uphold APS Values and the Code of Conduct, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all aspects of work.
• Actively support a positive Work Health and Safety (WH&S) culture, ensuring compliance with relevant Museum policies, procedures, and legislative requirements.

 About the Org

The National Museum of Australia is recognised at home and around the world as the place where the story of Australia comes alive. The Museum is the only institution equipped to tell the complex and comprehensive story of Australia from 65,000 years ago to the present day. The story of Australia is a remarkable one, from the ancient and enduring histories of the world’s oldest living cultures to the achievements of modern Australia. It is a story that is ever evolving and growing – and it is a story for a nation and for the world.